SSB Entry Navigator™
Discover which Indian Defence officer entries you are eligible for.
The Stage Selection System
From notification to academy — here is how every Defence officer is selected.
Notification & Application
12–09 Months
Entry notification released; candidates apply online.
Stage 1 – Written Test
UPSC / JEE / Degree Filter
UPSC exam, JEE Mains, degree marks, or CLAT score depending on entry.
Stage 2 – SSB Personality Test
5 Days at Selection Centre
Officer Intelligence Rating, Psychological, Group Tasks, Personal Interview.
Stage 3 – Medical Board
At Service Hospital
Medically fit candidates proceed to merit list.
Merit List & Academy Joining
Final Step
Merit list released. Selected candidates join NDA/NA, IMA, OTA, AFA or INA.
UPSC vs Non-UPSC Entries
Two distinct pathways for becoming an officer in the Defence Forces.
| Criteria | UUPSC Entries | NNon-UPSC Entries |
|---|---|---|
| 🌐 Website | upsc.gov.in | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| 📅 Notification | Bi-annual (May & Nov) | Quarterly / As required |
| 🎓 Course Start | Jan & Jul (IMA), Apr & Oct (OTA) | Jan / Apr / Jul / Oct (varies) |
| 📝 Application Window | 3–4 weeks (UPSC portal) | 3–6 weeks (joinindianarmy.nic.in) |
| ✍️ Written Exam | UPSC Written (mandatory) | Not required (JEE/marks/CLAT based) |
| 📋 Entries | NDA, CDS (IMA, OTA, AFA) | TES, TGC, SSC(T), SSC(JAG), SSC(NCC) |
Stage 1 – Written Qualification Criteria
How candidates are shortlisted before appearing for SSB.
UPSC Entries
NDA
Maths + GAT paper
IMA (CDS)
English + GK + Maths
SSC (NT)
CDS Written (no Maths)
Non-UPSC Entries
TES
10+2 PCM + JEE rank
TGC
B.Tech/B.E. aggregate
SSC (Tech)
B.Tech/B.E. aggregate
SSC (JAG)
LLB graduates
SSC (NCC)
Direct SSB, no written
UPSC Shortlisting
1 : 20
1 candidate per every 20 who appear for SSB
Non-UPSC Shortlisting
1 : 100
Higher competition; merit-based cutoffs apply
Find Your Eligible Entries
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